capital-region · Iceland
Íslandsvarðan
About Íslandsvarðan
Íslandsvarðan is a bronze outdoor sculpture by Icelandic artist Jóhann Eyfells located along the Sæbraut shoreline in Reykjavík. Inspired by traditional Icelandic stone cairns used as route markers across open landscapes, the sculpture reinterprets this historic form in a modern artistic style. Its circular opening frames views across Faxaflói Bay toward the surrounding mountains, connecting the artwork directly with the natural environment. Today, Íslandsvarðan forms part of Reykjavík’s Sculpture and Shore Walk, where contemporary art meets coastal scenery along one of the city’s most popular walking routes.
History & Background
Íslandsvarðan was created by Icelandic sculptor Jóhann Eyfells as part of Reykjavík’s shoreline sculpture installations along Sæbraut. The work reinterprets the traditional Icelandic route marker known as a varða using cast bronze instead of stacked stone, linking historic travel culture with contemporary public art. Today, the sculpture forms part of Reykjavík’s Sculpture and Shore Walk — a series of artworks placed along the coastline where visitors can explore the relationship between Icelandic landscape, navigation traditions, and modern artistic expression.
Tours Near Íslandsvarðan
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
See a modern sculpture inspired by traditional Icelandic cairns that frames beautiful views across Faxaflói Bay along Reykjavík’s scenic shoreline path.
Did You Know?
The circular opening in Íslandsvarðan is designed to frame the horizon and mountains across the bay — echoing how traditional cairns helped travellers orient themselves in the landscape.
A Modern Cairn by the Sea
For centuries, stone cairns helped travellers cross Iceland’s open landscapes long before marked roads existed. These simple piles of stones guided people safely between farms and coastal settlements, especially in fog, snow, or darkness. Íslandsvarðan reflects this tradition in a modern sculptural form placed along Reykjavík’s shoreline. Rather than marking a remote mountain route, this cairn now stands beside the sea, where walkers follow one of the capital’s most scenic coastal paths. The circular opening invites visitors to stop and look outward across Faxaflói Bay, echoing the way travellers once paused at cairns to confirm their direction before continuing their journey.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Practical Information
Best Time
All year
Duration
5–10 minutes stop (longer if combined with coastal walk)
Access
Located along the seaside walking and cycling path on Sæbraut. Easily accessible on foot from downtown Reykjavík via the Sculpture & Shore Walk route.
